1910 $2 1/2 PR66 PCGS. The 1910 issue continues the Roman
Gold or Satin Finish proofing process for gold proofs as begun the
previous year. The official mintage for this issue was 682 pieces.
This number is obviously either a typographical error in the mint
report or most of the mintage was melted as unsold at year's end,
as this year is one of the scarcer dates in the series, only
exceeded in rarity by the 1909 and 1915. One estimate places the
number of survivors in the range of 34-36 pieces, but that number
may be a bit low. We estimate 100-125 may actually be extant. Akers
only recorded 21 appearances in the 30-year survey he conducted,
and that number obviously included several duplications. The
surfaces of this piece are satiny and show a fine-grain texture
that is quite unlike other proof years, making proof gold coins
from this and the preceding year one of the shortest and certainly
most desirable collecting areas for 20th century gold specialists.
A slight reddish tinge is seen in the recessed areas and appealing
olive patina frames each side. Population: 6 in 66, 0 finer
(1/06).(Registry
values: N7079) (NGC ID# 289J, PCGS# 7959)